Bracket assembly



Oct. 24, 1961 MCKAY 3,005,615

BRACKET ASSEMBLY Filed Nov. 2, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 JNVENTOR.

542mm H. M w

ATTORNEYS Oct. 24, 1961 A. H. MOKAY BRACKET ASSEMBLY 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 2, 1959 INVENTOR.

HTTORNEYS I Alvin H. M

3,005,615 BRACKET ASEMBLY Alvin H. McKay, Arlington, Va. (Box 382, Rte. 4, Fairfax, Va.) Filed Nov. 2, 1959, Ser. No. 850,322 19 Claims. (Cl. 248-265) This invention relates to a novel bracket, and more specifically to a novel bracket assembly comprising a plurality of elements which may be fastened to a wall or to a window frame in a number of selected positions to support a curtain rod, a Venetian blind, and/or a valance or cornice.

It is an object of this invention to provide a novel bracket assembly comprising several elements, of which all or less than all of such elements can be employed in any single installation.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel bracket assembly comprising a flanged basic element which can be adjustably supported along its back. or along either of its two side edges, or along one end.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel bracket assembly comprising a basic element having a continuous slot extending in two directions for adjustment of a secondary element,

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel bracket assembly permitting a vertical or horizontal adjustment of a rod holder in a plurality of planes.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel bracket assembly in which a rod holder can be selectively mounted in any one of a plurality of slots in either a basic element or a secondary element, or in a tertiary element, or in a slot in one end of the flanges of the basic element.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide, in a bracket assembly, a novel rod holder having mounting apertures in four walls thereof, enabling it to be mounted to face in any desired direction.

Other and further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following specification when read in conjunction with the annexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary top plan view, showing the bracket assembly of the present invention supporting a pair of curtain rods appearing in phantom lines;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view as seen on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view on the line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the basic element of the bracket assembly;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the secondary element of the bracket assembly;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rod supporting element of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary front elevational view showing the bracket assembly attached to a wall or window frame and supporting a cornice;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view showing the bracket assembly used for supporting a Venetian blind fixture;

FIG. 9 is an elevational View showing the bracket assembly attached to the ceiling;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view showing how additional bracket elements may be arranged to form an extension;

3,005,615 Patented Oct. 24, 1361 FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the basic element of the bracket assembly, showing various ways of mounting a curtain or drapery rod support;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view showing a modified form of bracket assembly; and

FIG. 13 is an enlarged isometric view on the line 1313 of FIG. 12.

The bracket assembly comprises the following elements: one or more basic elements or brackets 20, one or more secondary elements or plates 22, one or more rod supporting elements 24, and one or more tertiary elements or brackets 26. These elements may be employed in a number of different combinations, such as shown in FIG. 12, in which all four elements are used, or by using some of the elements as shown in FIGURES 1, 2, 3, and 7 to 11. The several elements are preferably made of sheet metal by a process of stamping.

The basic element bracket 21 is shown in perspective in FIG. 4 and comprises a generally rectangular member having a flat base 28, side flanges 30 and 32, extending at right angles to the base 28, and one end flange 34, forming a box-like structure having one side and one end open. The side and end flanges are formed by bending the edges of the base 28 in an obvious manner.

The base 28 is provided with three parallel, longitudinally extending, slots 36, 38 and 40, and a pair of parallel, transversely extending slots 42 and 44; The slots 36 and 40 are disposed near the outer edges, and are slightly longer than the middle slot 38. Slot 42 is disposed adjacent the end flange 34, while the slot 44 is disposed near the open end of the structure and joins the outer ends of the slots 36 and 40, whereby the slots 36, 44 and as may be described asa continuous U-shaped slot. The slots 42 and 44 have the same length, and likewise slots 36 and 46 have equal lengths. The flanges 30, 32 and 34 are provided with longitudinally extending slots 46, 48 and 59, respectively, disposed midway of the depth of the flanges.

The secondary element or plate 22 is shown in perspective in FIG. 5. This element is rectangular in form, having the same general configuration as the base 28 of the basic element 20, and having a Width forming a working fit within the flanges 3t) and 32, as shown in FIGS 2 and 3. The secondary element includes three spaced parallel, longitudinally extending, slots 52, 54, and 56, and a pair of parallel, transversely extending, slots 58 and 60, the slots having the same lengths and being spaced relative to the edges of the element in the same manner as in the basic element 20. Slots 52 and 56 are disposed adjacent side edges and are slightly longer than the middle slot 54. The slots 58 and 60 are disposed adjacent the outer ends, as shown, and have the same length. The slot 60 connects one end of each of the slots 52 and 56, whereby it may be said that the slots 52, 60 and 56 form a continuous U-shaped slot.

The rod supporting element 24 is shown in FIG. 6, and comprises a sheet metal member having a square base 62, and three flanegs 64, 66 and 68 of rectangular form made by bending up extensions of the base. The element presents an open ended box-like structure having an end wall and two side Walls. The base 62, end wall 64, and side walls 66 and 68 are each provided with a central threaded aperture 76 adapted to [receive a screw as described hereinafter.

The tertiary element or bracket 26 is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, and comprises an elongated strip of sheet metal having a cross-section of the letter 0, including a long leg 72, a pair of short legs 76 and 78 formed by extensions of the long leg bent at right angle thereto, and a second pair of short legs 80 and 82 formed by extensions of the legs 76 and 78 formed at right angles thereto and lying parallel to the long leg 72. The long leg 72 is provided with an elongated slot 74, while the legs 76, 78, 8b and 82 each have a centrally located threaded aperture 84 to receive a screw.

As indicated above, these four elements 20, 22, 24 and 26 can be employed in a number of combinations and arrangements, of which a few are illustrated and are described hereinafter. It should be understood that the combinations and arrangements disclosed are exemplary, and that a number of other combinations and arrangements will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show an arrangement for mounting a pair of spaced curtain or drapery rods 104 from a wall or window frame 86. As shown, the supporting structure includes two interchangeable bracket assemblies, each employing a basic element 20, a secondary element 22, and a pair of rod supporting elements 24. A pair of screws 88 pass through the slot 50 in the end flange 34 of the basic element 20 and into the wall or window frame 86, thereby mounting the element 20' with its length extending perpendicular from the wall, and the open sides of the box-like structures facing each other. The screws 88 may be inserted at the ends of the slot 50, or may be placed closer together as shown in FIG. 3, to permit vertical adjustment of the element 20. The secondar element 22 is slidably mounted within the box-like structure formed by the flanges 30, 32 and 34 of the basic element, and in this position it will be observed that the slots 52, 54 and 56 of the secondary element are aligned with the slots 40, 38 and 36, respectively, of the basic element 20. The elements 20 and 22 are fastened together in adjusted relation by a pair of nutand-bolt assemblies 92 passing through the slots 56, 36 and 52, 40. The bolt head and the nut are larger than the slots, to permit them to bear against the slot edges when tightened, and the bolt head is provided with a transverse slot or kerf to receive a screwdriver.

lFIG. 2 shows an elevational view of the right hand bracket assembly of FIG. I, in which the open side formed by the flanges 30, 32 and 34 faces the left hand bracket assembly. The two rod supporting elements 24 are supported at the middle of the structure by means of screws 94 passing through the slots and received in the threaded openings 70 in the back flanges 64 of the rod supporting elements 24. 7 One screw 94 passes through the slots 33 and 60 of the members 20 and 22, respectively, as shown in FIG. 3, and the other screw passes through the slot 58 in the element 22. It is obvious that the outer rod supporting element 24 in FIG. 2 can be raised or lowered, as desired, and that the inner rod supporting element 24 can be elevated by passing the screw 94 through the slots 36 and 56, or lowered by passing the screw 94 through the slots 40 and 52. When the screws pass through the slots 36 and 56 or through the slots 40 and 52, the inner rod supporting element 24 can easily be adjusted toward or away from the wall or frame 86 by sliding the screw 94 in the slots, and similarly, the outer rod supporting element 24 can easily be adjusted toward or away from the wall or frame 36 by loosening the bolts and nuts 92, sliding the element 22 relative to element 20, and tightening the bolts and nuts. It is also obvious that the rod supporting element 24 can be mounted adjacent the end flange 34 by passing the screw 94 through the slot 42, which also permits a vertical adjustment. While, in FIG. 2, the secondary element 22 is mounted so that the slot 58 therein is remote from the wall or frame 86, it is evident that it could also be mounted so that the slot 58 is on the end nearest the wall or frame, and the slot 60 is remote from said wall or frame.

FIG. 7 discloses an arrangement in which the basic element 20 can be used to directly support a rod supporting element 24, and also a cornice or valance 96. As shown, the basic element 20 is supported from a Wall or window frame 86 by means of a pair of screws 88 passing through the slot 48 in the side flange 32. As in the mounting shown in FIG. 3, these screws are spaced from the ends of the slot, permitting a vertical adjustment of the basic element 20 by loosening the screws, sliding the element to the desired position, and then tightening the screws to retain the element in its desired position. The transverse support 98 of the cornice or valance 96 can be supported by the end flange 34 of the basic element 20 and retained in place by means of a pair of screws 100 passing through the slot 50 of the end flange 34 and through the transverse support 98. The rod supporting elements 24 in the present instance are supported from the side flange 30 by means of screws 94, which pass through the slot 46 and the threaded bore 70 in the back flange 64 of the rod supporting element. The rod supporting element can readily be vertically adjusted in an obvious mannet. This arrangement, using only the basic element 20, provides a simple support for the rod 104 and for the cornice or valance 96.

FIGURE 8 discloses an arrangement using the basic element 20 and the secondary element 22 to support a rod supporting element 24 and a Venetian blind bracket 102. The basic element 20 is supported from the end flange 34 by means of a pair of spaced screws 88 passing through the slot 50 into the wall or frame 86, in a manner similar to FIG. 1. The secondary element 22 is supported from the basic element 2% by means of a pair of bolts and nuts 92, which pass through the slots 56 and 36, and the slots 52 and 40, of the elements 22 and 20. The rod supporting element 24 is supported by means of a screw 94 passing through the slot 54 in the secondary element 22, and being received in the threaded bore 70 of the back flange 64 of the rod supporting element. The Venetian blind bracket 102, which supports one of the ends of a Venetian blind, is supported from the basic element 20 by means of a pair of bolts and nuts 92, which pass through openings in the end of the bracket 102 and the slot 38 of the basic element 20. It is obvious that the various parts are capable of being adjusted. For instance, the Venetian blind bracket 102 can be shifted toward or away from the wall 86 by sliding the bolts and nuts 92 in the slot 38, and the same is true concerning the rod supporting element 24, which can be adjusted in the slot 54, or can be mounted in the slots 52 or 56, or even in the slot 58 where it can also be vertically adjusted. In an alternative form (not shown), the Venetian blind may be secured in the same position by mounting rod holders 24 or the tertiary elements 26 directly in front of the front face thereof at either side, to hold the blind snugly in position against flange 34.

FIG. 9 shows an arrangement for supporting a curtain or drapery rod from a ceiling by means of a pair of spaced screws 88 passing through the slot 50 in the end flange 34 of the basic element 20. As in the case of FIG. 1, the secondary element can be adjusted by loosening the bolts and nuts 92 and sliding the secpndary element 22 relative to the basic element 20, in an obvious manner. Similarly, the rod supporting element 24 may be vertically adjusted in the slot 54, or may be mounted in any of the slots 52, 56 and 58. If mounted in the slot 58, the rod supporting element 24 can also be adjusted toward and away from the window.

FIG. 10 shows a possible arrangement in which the rod supporting elements 24 can be mounted at spaced points from either end of a Window. In this arrangement, one basic element 20 is mounted on the window frame or a wall 86 by means of a pair of spaced screws 88 which can pass through any one or more of the slots 36, 38, 40, 42 or 44 in the base 28. The secondary element 22 is secured to the basic element 20 by means of a pair of bolts and nuts 92 passing through any one of the aligned slots 36, 56, or 38, 54, or 40, 52, forming an extension for mounting of a second basic element 20 as shown. The second basic element 20 is supported by a pair of bolts and nuts 92 passing through the slot 50 of the end flange 34 and through the transverse slot 58 of the secondary element 22, or through the slots 52, 54 and 56 of the secondary element. The secondary element 20 supports one or more rod supporting elements 24, which can be carried by screws 94 in any of the slots 42, 4t), 38, 36, and 44 of the basic element, in which lateral and vertical adjustments can be made in an obvious manner.

FIG. 11 represents several of the many possible arrangements of mounting one or more rod supporting elements 24 on the basic element 20. As shown, rod supporting elements, 24 can be mounted in several positions on the side flanges 3G, 32 or end flange 34, or the base 28. While not illustrated, it is evident that the rod supporting elements 24 can be supported by screws 94 passing through the slots 42, 36 and 44, with the base 62 of the rod supporting element 24 placed in different positions. These few of the possible arrangements of the rod supporting elements'24 in combination with the basic element 20 are indicative of the multitude of possible arrangements which can be obtained when the secondary and/or tertiary elements are used in the combination.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a bracket assembly, comprising a basic element 20, a secondary element 22, a rod supporting element 24 and a tertiary element 26. The tertiary element is generally in the form of the letter C, as described above. The legs 76, 78, 80 and 82 have the same length, which corresponds to the width of the flanges 30 and 32, as shown in FIG. 13, and each leg is provided with a central threaded opening 84, adapted to receive a screw 94. FIGS. 12 and 13 show an arrangement in which a tertiary element 26 is supported from the flanges 30 and 32 of the basic element 20 by means of a pair of screws passing through the slots 46 and 48, engaging the threaded bores 84 of the legs 78. A rod supporting element 24 is carried from the tertiary element 26 by means of a bolt and nut 92 passing through the threaded bore 70 of the back flange 64 and through the slot 74 in the long leg 72. Vertical adjustment of the rod supporting element 24 is possible by sliding the bolt and nut 92 vertically in the slot 74, while horizontal adjustment is possible by sliding the screws 94 in the slots 46 and 48 of the side flanges 30 and 32, respectively. As in the case of FIG. 1, a second rod supporting element 24 is carried by the secondary element 22, which can be vertically adjusted in the slot 58 and horizontally adjusted by sliding the secondary element 22 relative to the basic element 20 in an obvious manner. Also the outer or second rod supporting element 24 could selectively be carried in any of the slots 52, 54, or 56 of the secondary element, and capable of lateral adjustment therein.

While, in the foregoing description, a few of the possible combinations of the four main elements and arrangements thereof have been outlined, it is obvious that such combinations and arrangements are not exhaustive, but that a great many others will be obvious to a person skilled in the art or to the layman employing this assembly. The invention is therefore capable of adapting itself to almost any installation situation Without necessity of resorting to makeshift fabrication of installation elements.

It will be understood that various changes may be made in the details of construction and in the arrangement of parts of the bracket assembly disclosed herein without departing from the principles of the invention and the scope of the annexed claims.

I claim:

1. A bracket assembly comprising: first slotted bracket means including slotted flanges extending laterally from one side thereof; an independent slotted flat plate means; second independent slotted bracket means having apertured end flanges; separate rod supporting means having apertured walls; and means cooperable with said apertures and slots fastening said plate, brackets and supporting means together in selected positions.

2. A bracket assembly as recited in claim 1, in which the flanges on said first slotted bracket means are disposed on two sides and on one end, providing a threesided channel, said slotted plate means being adjustably mounted in said channel.

3. A bracket assembly as recited in claim 2, in which the spacing between the end flanges of said second slotted bracket means is less than the spacing between the side flanges on said first slotted bracket means, said second slotted bracket means being adjustably mounted relative to said first slotted plate means.

4. A bracket assembly as recited in claim 1, in which said first slotted bracket means includes a plurality of parallel slots.

5. A bracket assembly as recited in claim 1, in which said first slotted bracket means includes a plurality of parallel, longitudinally extending slots, and a plurality of parallel, transversely extending, slots.

6. A bracket assembly as recited in claim 5, in which one of said transversely extending slots connects with an end of a plurality of the longitudinally extending slots.

7. A bracket assembly as recited in claim 1, in which said plate means includes a plurality of parallel slots.

8. A bracket assembly as recited in claim 1, in which said second slotted bracket means is generally C-shaped in transverse section, having an elongated, slotted, middle section, intermediate sections extending at right angles to the middle section, and end sections extending at right angles to the intermediate sections and parallel to the middle section.

9. A bracket assembly comprising a first slotted bracket means including slotted flanges; an independent slotted plate means; separate rod supporting means having apertured walls, and means cooperable with said apertures and slots fastening said bracket means, plate means and supporting means together in selected positions.

10. A bracket assembly as recited in claim 9, in which the flanges in said first slotted bracket means are disposed on two sides and on one end, whereby a three-sided channel is provided, said slotted plate means being adjustably mounted in said channel.

11. A bracket assembly comprising: slotted bracket means including slotted flanges; other independent slotted bracket means having apertured end flanges; separate rod supporting means having apertured walls; and means cooperable with said apertures and said slots fastening said bracket means, said plate means and supporting means together in selected positions.

12. A bracket assembly as recited in claim 11, in which the flanges in said flanged slotted bracket means are disposed on two sides and on one end.

13. A bracket assembly comprising: a slotted bracket having a plurality of slotted flanges; a separate rod supporting means having at least three flat, apertured walls, each wall being perpendicular to each of said other two walls; and means adjustably fastening said bracket and any wall of said rod supporting means together.

14. A bracket assembly as recited in claim 13, in which the flanges on said bracket are disposed on two sides and on one end.

15. A bracket comprising an elongated, slotted bracket having a base with flanges along two sides and at one end, one end being open, said flanges including longitudinally extending slots, said base including a plurality of parallel, longitudinally extending slots and aplurality of parallel, transversely extending slots.

transversely extending slots; second slotted bracket means having end flanges; rod supporting means; and means fastening said bracket means, said plate means and said rod supporting means together in selected positions.

18. A bracket assembly, comprising: first slotted bracket means having flanges extending laterally from one side thereof; slotted plate means; second slotted bracket means, said second bracket means being generally C-shaped in transverse section, having an elongated, slotted, middle section, intermediate sections extending at right angles to the middle section, and end sections extending at right angles to the intermediate sections and parallel to the middle section, the intermediate and end sections including openings to receive fastening means; rod supporting means; and means fastening said bracket means, said plate means and said rod supporting means together in selected positions.

- 19. A bracketassembly, comprising: first slotted bracket means having flanges extending laterally from one side thereof; slotted plate means; second slotted bracket means having end flanges; rod supporting means including a base and three upstanding edges, the base and edges having openings to receive fastening means; and means fastening said bracket means, said plate means and said supporting means together in selected positions.

References Cited in the file ef this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 580,324 Monroe Apr. 6, 1897 682,097 Lundberg Sept. 3, 1901 936,583 Thoreau Oct. 12, 1909 1,026,652 Bradley May 21, 1912 11,111,067 Heath Sept. 22, 1914 1,278,534 Watt Sept. 10, 1918 2,267,160 McKerlie Dec. 23, 1941 2,429,446 Albrecht Oct. 21, 1947 2,792,999 Lorentzen May 21, 1957 2,914,286 Weaver Nov. 24, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 231,319 Great Britain -t Apr. 2, 1925 

